Abstract

Microwave radio signals can be badly affected when rain or sleet is present along the path between transmitter and receiver. The signal is absorbed and scattered, becoming much weaker than normal. This creates difficulties for telecommunications operators who need to guarantee a reliable service in all weathers. As higher frequencies are used by radio operators the characteristics of these outages have sometimes been surprising a research is taking place to investigate the propagation losses at these higher bands.
Monitoring is taking place of the signal levels of several links at frequencies of 38, 54 and 56 Ghz which run from the South Wonston water tower on the A34 to Sparsholt College. The links are within coverage of the Chilbolton Advanced Meteorological Radar.
Data are logged every second 24 hours a day.